Topics

Topics of all shapes and sizes are used to teach History and Geography as well as a whole range of other subjects in the Pre-Prep. In Twigs and Nursery the topics are short and led by the children. We may be learning about Chinese New Year, Penguins or Garden Centres – but whatever it is, we will be learning about how the world works (Knowledge and Understanding of the World in the Foundation Stage Curriculum) and having a jolly good time as well. Come and buy a bunch of flowers, perhaps plant some seeds or join us in a song and you will see what we mean!

From Reception onwards, Topics are a little longer and further developed. You may find us learning about sea creatures during our Lighthouse Keeper topic in Reception or you could join us for our Pirates Picnic in the meadow.

In Year 1 you might come across us examining artefacts from a local museum or following the exploits of Barnaby Bear as he travels the world; often in the tender care of a school family - you should see his passport!

In Year 2 you might bump into us in Woking as we explore the local geography and history of our own town. We become proficient with compasses as we navigate our way around the extensive and beautiful school grounds and we can draw our own maps too. Perhaps you would like to join us as we visit a Victorian schoolroom or man the pump as we live the life of a Victorian servant for a day.

One of the highlights of the year is History Week. In Nursery the children find out about their own personal history and how they have changed since they were babies. This is developed in Reception as they explore what life was like when our grannies and grandads were young, ending in a grandparents’ tea party where much fun is had by all. Years 1 and 2 learn about Florence Nightingale or the Fire of London and Florence Nightingale or Samuel Pepys seem to turn up each time – amazing!

Above all, Topics are a stimulating and exciting way to investigate the world we live in and to have hands on experience of other ages and cultures while practising the basic skills that they have already acquired.